Awareness Month - Tumblr Posts

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide is an important topic that many are still afraid to discuss.

Suicide can affect anyone—people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, nationalities, religions, political views, etc... It can happen anywhere to anyone (Although, certain factors do increase a person's likelihood of thinking about, attempting, and/or committing suicide).

We consider suicide a tragedy and when it happens, everyone wishes they had done more. But, what about before? Often when people who are struggling attempt to reach out, they are not taken seriously, or they are made to feel like they are seeking attention. This only increases their negative feelings and increase their suicidal thoughts.

I've spoken about my mental health before, and I've alluded to it, but I've never really outright admitted to thinking about and attempting suicide. I don't like talking about it, but I think it's important. So many people suffer in silence and think they're alone. You're not. I promise. I'm right there with you!

As a young child, I suffered a trauma and as a result have struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life. When I was a teenager, I attempted suicide (twice) and thought about it on a daily basis. Prior to any attempts, I tried reaching out to friends, to family, to adults who I thought would listen, but no one heard me. No one believed me. I was told my life wasn't that bad and I needed to get over it. I was told, I was being dramatic. I was told I was seeking attention. I was told I was being selfish. I was dismissed. I was ignored. I was made to feel like I was a burden for trying to get help.

I have since sought out professional help. Medication has helped, but it doesn't make everything sunshine and rainbows. I struggle on a daily basis. I wish I could say I don't contemplate suicide any longer, but the thoughts still linger (however, I've never acted on them and don't think I would).

I'm grateful to be alive. I'm grateful I survived. I'm grateful for the relief I do have. I'm grateful that I have a better support system now. I'm grateful to know I'm not alone.

So all this to say, if someone reaches out to you, please, please, please believe them, hear them, and be there for them. Be who I needed one no one would listen to me.

Suicide is preventable, but no one can do it alone. We need to stand together and help those when they need it, before it's too late.